Visible mending embraces imperfection while giving clothes a new life, says B.C. artist

Textile artist Heather Cameron believes imperfections are to be celebrated, rather than covered up.

Cameron specializes in the functionalart of visible mending. Rather than throwing away damaged clothingor repairing it in a way that hides flaws,visible mending decorates the imperfections.

"Things actually might be more interesting or more beautiful because they're not perfect," she said from her Gabriola Island workshop, a cozy cedar structure lined with fabric, books, and artwork.

It can be done through different techniques, including visible stitching, patches, or embroidery.

For Cameron, it's a way to giveold clothing a new life and consumemore sustainably.

But it's also a way of showing care and appreciation for a piece, she says.

"The little signs of damage or wear actually tell a story," said Cameron, adding that the care and patience that goes into repairing a damaged garment addanother layer to its story.

And Cameron wantsto share the craft. Shehostsa mending group at the library on Gabriola Island eachWednesdaywhere people can drop in with items they wish to mend.

The practice is inspired by acenturies-old Japanese techniquecalled boro, where layers of cloth are stitched together.

Cameron says reusing clothing in this way highlights the meaningful connection between humans and what they wear.

"It keeps us warm and safe, it can make us feel like we're really cool, or it can make us feel more powerful," she said.

In the spirit of embracing imperfection, Cameron says she has been trying to accepta creature notorious for wrecking clothing: moths.

While clothesthat moths have feasted on areoften seen as wrecked,Cameronsees themas projects the insects have left her to work on.

"They need to eat, they find some nice,tasty, fine merino," she said.

"I'm letting the moths show me the way."